February 2010 View from a Window

Looking out the windows of the Naples hotel as seen in last month’s blog, I realized that every time I visit a new place or revisit a familiar one I am curious about what I can see through the windows-anywhere and everywhere-in private homes, museums, even restaurant restrooms.  It keeps me oriented especially if I am returning to take photos, well, maybe not the restrooms.  Peeking out shutters or drapes I might discover some interesting things and occasionally I’ll see a few gems like the three images below.

© melabee m miller Roof tiles, Duomo, Florence Italy

© melabee m miller Through the window at Island 3, Ellis Island

© melabee m miller Over rooftops in Sala Consilina, Italy

“If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade” says American writer, Tom Peters.

And, I couldn’t pass up this quote by comedian, Steven Wright…….. “Every so often, I like to go to the window, look up, and smile for a satellite picture.”

 

January 2010 Light

Still thinking about light, I am considering daylight and no daylight.  I searched my photos to find day and night comparisons and found these, which were taken from the windows of a hotel in Naples, Italy.  They overlooked Via Mergellina, which ran along the Bay of Naples.  It was a busy street during the day but became chaotic in the evening and at night.

© melabee m miller Looking north, Bay of Naples, Italy

Although these were almost taken from the same point, seen alone, they could be mistaken for a completely different location.  Why is that?

The day photos were anchored-buildings, street, cars, boats, water.  They show a straight forward view up and down the street.

The night photos show headlights and street lights dancing around and your eye follows them throughout the image.  Most things, people,  buildings, etc. are obscured.  One cannot tell where this photo was taken. The lights and movement are important and exciting.

© melabee m miller Looking south, Bay of Naples, Italy

“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.”  by Vincent van Gogh ( Dutch Painter, one of the greatest of the Post-Impressionists, 1853-1890)

December-Light

The holidays are upon us and, once again, I am looking at lights.  This time it’s the wonderful assortment of lights decorating all sorts of things.   Conventional…….

© melabee m miller Trees decorated with colored lights

……and not so conventional.

© melabee m miller Wall Street

© melabee miller Palm Tree with lights

Claude Monet said “It’s on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly.”

Enjoy the holidays!

Melabee

November-Light

© melabee m miller Sunset, Orient Bay, NY

At this time of the year, I have been thinking about how daylight diminishes daily.  Each morning the sun rises one minute later than the day before and it sets one minute earlier.  That’s two minutes per day and November 1 steals away another hour of daylight.  As the amount of light fades there are still opportunities to create visually beautiful images.

© melabee m miller Moonrise Puerto Rico

Let’s all remember to take the time to really see our surroundings, no matter what the circumstances.

As Dorothea Lange once said, “A camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera” . A wonderful  photographer, she was hired by the Farm Security Administration to document the plight of farmworkers in the Great Depression.  A new  book about her work, entitled Dorothea Lange, A Life Beyond Limits by Linda Gordon has recently been published.

October

“We do not take pictures with our cameras, but with our hearts and minds.”

Isn’t that a wonderful quote by environmental portrait photographer Arnold Newman? He not only took extraordinary photos that captured the essence of the person before him, but he expressed himself in words so beautifully.

As I review my photos, I have been finding images that look visually similar.  This month I would like to share two that I particularly like- a main subject surrounded by a sea of leaves.  Isn’t it interesting how Nature takes over and highlights a man made object?

© melabee m miller

photo © melabee m miller

September

Adobe Architecture © 2009 Melabee M Miller

Santa Fe has always been a place of mystery and fascination for me.   After all, Georgia O’Keeffe lived and worked there and was inspired by the landscape and flowers.

Hot Red Pepper Wreath © 2009 Melabee M Miller

In August my dream to visit came true.  Santa Fe is indeed as beautiful and inspiring as I had imagined.  During  the five days there with my daughter, Chloe’, we drove 600 miles, saw the countryside, pueblos, adobe architecture (which I love)  and one magnificent rainbow.

Rainbow near Santa Fe © 2009 Melabee M Miller

August

Artichoke © Melabee M Miller

I haven’t visited  Italy since 2007 and I miss it very much. However, this summer I have a little bit of Italy growing in my vegetable garden.  Chloe’, my daughter, brought me a large package of artichoke seeds from Italy the last time she was there.  I planted every seed and although only four artichoke plants sprouted, I really believe those plants know how happy I am to watch them grow every day.

By the way, Chloe’ gave me a surprise by writing about me in her blog, so don’t miss it!

July 2009

Flags at El Moro, San Juan, Puerto Rico, photo by © melabee m miller

Welcome to my blog.  For all of my long-time friends, think of this as a continuation of my bi-monthly calendars. For those new to me and my work, each photo will be a favorite that I select each month.  I am so pleased to share my vision and hope you will discover something new with each blog.  Be sure to leave a comment, contact me at mmiller95[at]aol[dot]com or visit my web site melabeemiller.com.

Thank You.

Melabee